Gospel Prism

For a small group study for women, our church’s women read through John MacArthur’s book Extraordinary Women of the Bible. (I wrote a book review for our church’s website on this book) Since my wife, Shua, organized the groups, she asked me to come up with the discussion questions. I figure, since I worked on them, I might as well share them with anyone who is interested. I tried to make them Gospel-centric and have a some more depth to the application part of the questions, hoping that women would look far deeper than merely answering the biblical facts.

So if you’re interested, you can feel free to copy, paste, and use. PS, if you plan on using them or do use them, would you mind just commenting on how you used them and what affect the book with the questions had on you? Thanks.

Introduction

1. Do you think women are exalted or demeaned in today’s culture? Please explain.

2. Before reading this book, what were your thoughts about how women were portrayed in the Bible? After reading these first few chapters, how has this changed for you (if it has changed at all)?

3. Why do you think the physical appearance of a woman is so magnified by the world we live in? How important is your physical appearance to you?

4. What do you think it means to be modest in your physical appearance? Do you think this is antithetical to beauty?

5. Church father Tertullian noted that Christian women were clothed “with the silk of uprightness, the fine linen of holiness, the purple of modesty�, and John MacArthur notes, “they elevated feminine virtue to an unprecedented height.� (p. xv). Do you think modesty can accomplish this? Please explain.

6. John MacArthur writes: “Wherever the gospel has spread, the social, legal, and spiritual status of women has, as a rule, been elevated.� (p. xvi.) In what ways has the Gospel’s advance been an instrument in the elevation of women’s status in culture? Why then do you think that society at large has often viewed Christianity as a detractor rather than an advocate of women’s status in society?

7. As a woman, what would you say defines your identity as a woman (your family [parents, siblings, husband, children], upbringing, career, financial resources, etc.)? Why?

8. John MacArthur writes: “The most significant women in Scripture were influential not because of their careers, but because of their character. The message these women collectively give is not about ‘gender equality’; it’s about true feminine excellence. And this is always exemplified in moral and spiritual qualities rather than by social standing, wealth, or physical appearance.� (p. xvii.) Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not? How can this be freedom for women? Please explain.

Chapter 1 – “Eve: Mother of All Living�

1. How would you describe an “excellent woman�?

2. The Bible makes it clear that Eve was not extraordinary because of her physical beauty (despite the fact that she most likely was very beautiful physically). What made her extraordinary then?

3. How does the manner of Eve’s creation teach us about the value of women today? (pp. 5-6) What does this teach you about why you as a woman are a valuable creation of God? Do you believe this to be true about you? Why or why not?

4. Do you think women are inferior or superior to men? Please explain. What does the Bible say in regard to this question?

5. How can men and women be equal and yet have different roles? Do you think this is possible? Please explain. (p.

6. Why do you think Adam was the one held responsible for the sin despite the fact that it was Eve’s initial act of sin that led to their downfall? (pp. 13-16) Do you think this responsibility impacts the role of a husband and a wife in a marriage? Please explain.

7. What do you think it means for a husband to be a leader of the family? Do you have this expectation of him? If so, in what ways do you (if you are married) aid and/or detract from your husband’s leadership? Please explain.

8. John MacArthur writes: “When the cure addresses Eve in particular, it deals with the two most important relationships in which a woman might naturally seek her highest joy: her husband and her children.� (p. 19) He writes this in light of the fact that one part of the curse on Eve was that “your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.� In what ways do you think this plays out today? That is, in what ways does a woman’s “desire for your husband [or a man]� rule over you? How does this lead to a woman’s inability to live free in light of the Gospel? How can the Gospel redeem a woman even over the consequences of this curse?

9. In what way was the curse, especially in Eve’s painful childbearing, a reminder of God’s grace? (p. 21) What does this tell you about the gracious God that created Eve? In what ways does God’s grace give you hope in light of any personal sorrows, grief or sins you have faced in your life?

Chapter 2 – “Sarah: Hoping Against All Hope�[1]

1. How was Sarah both faithful and yet unfaithful? (p. 29) Have you ever seen this tension in your own life as a woman, as a Christian?

2. Sarai’s first sixty-five years are marked by the one sentence, “Sarai was barren; she had no child.� (p. 31) Why do you think this reality struck Sarai so deeply as a woman? Why is child-bearing so important to women? Can a woman experience the fullness of womanhood apart from child-bearing? Please explain.

3. Hebrews 11:11 tells us that “by faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age�. How do you think Sarah was able to hang on to the promise of a child despite the circumstances which told her otherwise?

4. Why were her actions concerning Hagar understandable and yet utter foolishness?

5. John MacArthur observes that the first case of polygamy in the Bible is with Abraham at his wife’s urging. (p. 39) How does Sarah’s lack of faith and trust lead to this terrible sin? Does this solve her problems? (p. 40) In what ways have you tried to “fix things� in your own ways rather than depend on God’s timing? How have those instances turned out?

6. Sarah was both jealous and frustrated with Hagar, Abraham, and God. (p. 41) In what ways is the curse being played out in Sarah’s life?

7. How could Sarah be this person of faith in Hebrews despite her many flaws that are described in these stories of her?

8. What hope does Sarah’s life give you to “consider Him faithful who promised� despite your lack of faithfulness (Heb. 11:11)?

[1] Please note, that there are a few things in this chapter that I do not agree with, albeit they are not major points. First, I believe John MacArthur takes a much more positive position on Sarah’s character than the text calls for. Sarah to me is more a woman who has obvious flaws but one whom the Lord, as He always does, uses graciously. While MacArthur makes this point, I do not think he makes it strong enough, choosing instead to put Sarah in a better light. His explanation of Sarah’s laugh and his justification for that laugh is an example of going beyond the biblical text for an explanation.

Chapter 3 – “Rahab: A Horrible Life Redeemed� [2]

1. What do you think would lead a woman to become a prostitute? Why do you think prostitution continues to be one of the “oldest professions� known to humanity?

2. How is Rahab a clear recipient of God’s grace?

3. What does Rahab’s life teach us about God’s providence and faithfulness? (p. 54) Have you ever felt that God could not use someone like you because of your weaknesses and sinfulness? How does Rahab’s story affect your perspective? What makes her different from other women who have not trusted in God and the Gospel?

4. Do you think God used “her profession,� that is her sin, for His good purposes? (p. 57) Please explain how this could be.

5. MacArthur notes: “[Rahab’s] sudden expression of faith, therefore, is not only unexpected; it seems to run counter to every instinct that normally would motivate a woman like Rahab.� (p. 58) What normally motivates a woman like Rahab? Have those motivations ever motivated you? Why is this so unexpected?

6. Rahab’s legacy is enduring (p. 63) In what way is this so? Why do you think God uses such sinners and sins to bring about His plan? How is her name linked to God’s redemptive plan through Jesus? What does this say about the way God redeems His people?

7. How does Rahab’s life and faith give you hope as a sinner? (p. 66)

[2] I disagree with John MacArthur in this chapter. He argues that Rahab lied by lying about the whereabouts of the spies and yet God still redeemed that act. And yet, it seems to me that God would not place Rahab in a situation where telling the truth would and could very well have led to these men’s death. Also in Exodus 1:15-21, Pharaoh commanded the midwives to kill all of the Hebrew males. When they refused to, Pharaoh asked why they had disobeyed and they said, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.� (v. 19). Whether this was a partial truth or a straight lie, most people would agree that partial truths to deceive are no truths at all. In either case, verses 20-21 says; “So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.� The word ‘so’ tells us that because of the action before (the lie), God dealt WELL with the midwives. Thus, it seems to me that God allows untruths in certain contexts when those untruths are with a God-fearing motive that God knows (since He can see the heart’s true motive), and when those situations show that such times actually prevent a far greater act of destruction (killing of children or the killing of the spies in Rahab’s case).

Chapter 4: Ruth-Loyalty and Love

1. Summarize Ruth’s story. Why was Naomi’s plight so terrible?

2. What was it like to be a widow in Ruth’s day? What do you think it would be like to be a widow in our day? What are some of the difficulties do you think that Ruth faced that similar to today’s widows? What are the differences?

3. Ruth was a Moabite woman (a non-believer of Yahweh) married to an Israelite man. Israelites were commanded not to marry those outside of Israel. What does Ruth’s marriage to Mahlon say about his obedience of God? Do you think it says anything about God’s sovereignty?

4. What is special about Ruth’s character in her relationship to Naomi? (p. 73-75) How does she exemplify an extraordinary woman of grace? How can you grow in learning from Ruth’s example of faithfulness?

5. What is a kinsman-redeemer? (p. 80) How does the story of Ruth point us to understand redemption, in particular the redemption of Jesus Christ? Do you understand the redemption of your own soul? Please share with your group how you were redeemed by your Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

6. How does the story of Ruth end? (p. 84-85) Where does Ruth fit in the Bible’s history? Remember who she started out to be. How is this a surprise ending? What is it about Ruth and her identity that makes her an extraordinary woman that you are learning about thousands of years later? How can you model idea of extraordinary from Ruth’s character and faith?

Chapter 5: Hannah—A Portrait of Grace

1. What are some words that you would use to describe Hannah after reading her story?

2. Why do you think child-bearing was such a critical part of a woman’s identity in Hannah’s day? Do you think the same is true today? Why or why not?

3. Do you know anyone (maybe yourself) who is wrestling with the challenges of bearing children? Are you or women you know hurting because of this state? Please share. Pray for those who are hurting that the Lord would grant them His comfort during such times.

4. John MacArthur writes: “I especially love how the messianic hope comes right to the forefront whenever we consider the principal women of the Old Testament. The truth is, every truly righteous man and woman in the Old Testament shared the same fervent longing for the Messiah to come. He was the focus and the theme of all their hopes.� (p. 88-89) Why do you think these women and men longed for the Messiah to come? Do you have such longing for Jesus’ coming? Why or why not? How is this exhibited or not exhibited in your life? How would your life be lived differently if you longed for this coming? Please share SPECIFIC ways your life could be different.

5. For Hannah, a coming expectation of the Messiah (Jesus) was her guiding principle. Share how this is seen in her life. What are some practical ways you can live with an expectation of Christ? How does having this expectation make a woman extraordinary? Do you think this expectation impacts women differently than men? Please explain.

6. John MacArthur speaks of Hannah’s godly heritage (p. 89-90). What are the benefits of having a godly heritage? What are the drawbacks, if any? Do you have a Godly heritage? Share your story. Do you have an ungodly one? How can an ungodly heritage affect your faith? Do you see this to be the case in your life? Please share.

7. Hannah faced tremendous stress not only from her infertility, but her rival’s constant taunting. In what ways are you affected by the competition and comparisons with other women, whether it is overt or subtle? Have you ever been so affected by what other women think of you that like Hannah, you have “wept bitterly�? (p. 92)

8. Why do you think God allows for some women to be barren? Can a woman find meaning without children? (p. 93)

9. Recently, a USA Today article noted this:

This year, Salary.com compensation experts have come up with a job analysis and these price tags for both categories:
• Stay-at-home moms work an average 91.6 hours a week. That should be worth $134,121 annually.
• Working moms also put in 49.8 hours a week on the job at home. They should get $85,876 a year.
The compensation analysts figure the lowest paying parts of a mom’s job are housekeeper, laundry machine operator and janitor. Higher paying categories include computer operator, facilities manager, psychologist and family CEO.

The Salary.com numbers are sure to stir up controversy. But this is not debatable: Moms simply are priceless, and nothing could compensate them properly for all they do.
Moms are priceless, they really are. Why do you think the Bible values motherhood, especially in light of Hannah’s example (alongside much of the biblical text), the greatest calling a woman could ever be summoned to (p. 93)? In what ways has this calling in our culture been under fire for the past 3 decades? Why do you think this has happened?

10. How difficult do you think it was for Hannah to have given Samuel back to the Lord, considering it was her only son? Why was she able to do this? What does this say about her view of her son in light her God? If you are a mom, have you truly dedicated your children’s life to the Lord (i.e., if God were to take them away)? Why or why not?

Chapter 6: Mary—Blessed Among Women

1. How has Mary been misrepresented by the Catholic Church? (p. 108-109)

2. Could you imagine being told that you would bear a child even though you had never had a sexual relationship with any man? What thoughts would be running through your mind? Given Mary’s youth, how do you think Mary was able to handle this?

3. Why was her pregnancy dangerous for her given her culture?

4. Mary willfully submitted to the Lord’s will. (p. 114) Yet, she knew that those around her would be making assumptions about the circumstances of her pregnancy? How was she able to bear these pressures? Are you assured of God’s calling for you as a daughter so that even if the world gossips and scoffs at you, you can still hold onto your identity as His daughter? Why or why not?

5. What does Mary’s response of worship (p. 114-115) say about her unexpected pregnancy? How often do you worship God in the midst of unknown or even difficult circumstances? Can you worship God during trying times? Why or why not?

6. Why does worshipping Mary go against the very thing that Mary was against? (p. 119)

7. What was Mary’s relationship to Jesus like? (p. 121-123) How could she see Jesus both as her son and as her Lord?

8. Mary saw what all mothers dread the most, to see her son die. She stood at the cross when she didn’t have to. What does this say about Mary, her character, and her trust in God?

9. How is Mary like any other? How is Mary unlike any mother?

10. Why was she an extraordinary mother? Why was she an extraordinary woman? What can you learn and take home with you as you examine Mary’s life that could change how you are as a woman?

Chapter 7 - Anna: The Faithful Witness

1. Anna was a ‘prophetess’. At the very least, this means she was a woman who had “spent a lifetime hiding God’s Word in her heart.� (p. 134). Perhaps this was the main reason she was chosen to see Jesus, the Messiah. In what ways are you spending your life trying to “hide God’s Word in your heart�? Why is this difficult? What are some of the barriers that keep you from doing this? What are the blessings you have received as you have spent time in God’s Word? How does time in God’s Word help us to see Jesus as well? Take some time during your meeting today to pray for one another’s desire for God’s Word to increase.

2. John MacArthur writes on page 135: “Anna’s descent from the tribe of Asher suggests that her heritage owed much to God’s grace.� Why is this heritage a reflection of God’s grace? Has God ever taken an evil situation, even a sin in your own life or in a loved one’s life and used it for His ultimate sovereign purposes and His glory? Share with your group.

3. Anna was a widow. (p. 136) To be a widow was to live in poverty in her time. It was a difficult life. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you were a widow? Please explain and share how such a life would be and how that might affect you. How would you minister to someone who was in such a situation? Why do you think God has such a heart for widows? How did Anna use her widowhood to grow in light of her understanding of God? How could she have responded?

4. Anna was also a woman singularly devoted to the Lord (p. 137). Her life was marked by prayer and fasting. She had been fasting and praying for 64 years or longer. What do you think she prayed about? Why do you think this devotion led her to see Jesus?

5. John MacArthur observes about Anna: “She was praying that God would soon send the promised deliverer, the Messiah.� (p. 138) Have you ever prayed this prayer? How is this prayer quite different from your prayers perhaps, or the prayers you hear today?

6. How did God answer her prayers? How do you think she received her answer? Again, what does the answer reveal about her faith in God?

7. John MacArthur notes that once Anna saw Jesus, she spoke to all about this Redeemer. In other words, devotion to God would be expressed by telling others about Jesus. He writes: “She literally could not stop talking about Him.� Do you talk to others about Jesus regularly, both Christian and non-Christians alike? Why or why not? What do you think hinders you the most about your witness of Jesus? How does the model of this extraordinary woman exemplify how we can also be bold in our witness?

Chapter 8 - The Samaritan Woman: Finding the Water of Life

1. List the various reasons why Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman was so extraordinary. (p. 142-144)

2. Explain why Jews and Samaritans had such animosity toward one another. (p. 142-144)

3. Do you have any biases or prejudices that affect the way you view or consider people? How do these biases also affect your relationship to other believers or newcomers to the church?

4. What personal aspects of this woman’s life were so ‘horrible’? (p. 146) How does Jesus handle this horror? Do you have something in your life that you consider to horrible to share or for anyone to know? Why do you think this is so? Think, meditate, and pray to see how God wants to release you from such pain and horror. What do you think is horrible in God’s eyes? Please explain.

5. What is NOT worship in spirit and truth according to Jesus? (p. 148) Then what IS spirit and truth worship? Do you worship Jesus in such a way?

6. How does an ‘immoral’ woman such as this woman come to receive the Good News for herself and then proceed to tell others about it? (p. 148) What does this say about what we deem as horrible and unworthy and what God deems as horrible and unworthy?

7. How do you think the woman came to KNOW that Jesus was the Messiah after this conversation, especially in light of her sins? (p. 149) What hope does this give you as a sinner, and perhaps a ‘horrible’ sinner at that, also?

8. Why and how do you think this woman understood the joy and power of grace? Do you think you understand this grace for you as well? Please share why or why not. (p. 151)

9. This sinful woman may have been part of a powerful movement of the Gospel’s spread in Samaria (p. 152-153). What did she have that would give her such boldness and confidence to share the Gospel? Do you have this same desire and boldness? How do you limit yourself in your Gospel witness, and how can you grow in becoming a bolder witness?

Chapter 9 - Martha and Mary: Working and Worshipping

1. What words would you use to describe Mary? Martha?

2. How are they different from one another? How are they alike?

3. If you had to choose Mary or Martha as the person you identify with more, which one would you choose and why?

4. John MacArthur notes that it was on Martha’s invitation that Jesus came to their house (p. 161). Martha went out of her way to make sure that when Jesus came nothing was unattended to. She worked hard to please him and to make sure his visit was a good one. Is it wrong to go to such great lengths to be hospitable?

5. Describe Jesus’ role as a guest. (p. 162) Was Jesus a good guest? Why?

6. How would you have responded if you were Martha and Mary did what she did? (p. 162)

7. How would you have responded to Jesus’ comment if you addressed Mary’s lack of help?

8. What is the lesson to be learned from this story? (p. 163)

9. How did Martha go from being a servant to being a sinner? (p. 163-164) Has this ever happened to you? Please give an example.

10. How can you prevent this happening to your own heart?

11. What was the wrong thing that Martha did? What was the right thing that Mary did? How could Martha have had a right heart in this situation before the Lord? What could Mary have done that would have given her a sinful heart in this scenario?

12. Are you ever self-centered, judgmental, quick to criticize? Why is this so devastating to the soul?

13. Do you prioritize worship over service? Please explain. (p. 166-168) How does the flip flop of these two acts cause a person to forget grace?

14. Do you wrestle with a desire to please the Lord with your works (works-based, legalistic righteousness)? (p. 168-170) How can you grow in having a “faith that leads to obedience� rather than having a works-based righteousness?

Chapter 10 - Mary Magdalene: Delivered from Darkness

1. What are some misperceptions you had about Mary Magdalene before you read this chapter? (pp. 171-173) Why do you think these perceptions have persisted about her?

2. What have you discovered anew about Mark Magdalene from this chapter?

3. Luke records that Mary Magdalene was possessed by 7 demons. Do you think people are possessed by demons today? Why or why not? If yes, what do you think this possession look like? How can a person guard himself/herself against demon possession? (pp. 173-174)

4. Mary Magdalene became one of Jesus’ disciples after her deliverance (p. 177). According to Luke 8:1-3, what role did Mary play as a disciple?

5. Mary was also present at the crucifixion. How did this exhibit Mary’s faithful loyalty? Do you think there is something in the makeup of a woman that would have led Mary, along with the other women, to remain with Jesus to the end when all of the men fled? (p. 179-180) Do you think women are more spiritually ‘loyal’ to Christ generally speaking? Please explain why or why not? Why do you think so many churches have more women than men? Please take a moment to pray for the men of Wellspring, that they would honor the Lord faithfully and never abandon Him.

6. How do you think Mary felt as she saw the One who had healed her physically, emotionally, and spiritually lying in the tomb? Do you see Jesus as your healer because He was laid in the tomb for you? Why or why not?

7. Mary was the first person to see Jesus risen from the dead. Jesus had to say to her, “Do not cling to me,� because she was so fixed on Jesus. She was in love with Jesus because of all that He had done for her. What has Jesus done for you? Sometimes we forget how Jesus has freed us from our own sins and demons. Share with your group how Jesus has freed you to experience delight in Him. Spend some time with your group expressing your love for Jesus, like Mary Magdalene, as you pray together.

Chapter 11 - Lydia: A Hospitable Heart Opened

1. How is Lydia’s conversion an example of how God sovereignly moves in saving His people? (p. 187-188)

2. How did the Gospel capture Lydia’s heart (p. 192-193)?

3. How could Lydia have been a ‘worshipper of God’ and yet not have trusted in Christ? (p. 193) Do you know of anyone who is in this state? Please share and pray over such a person.

4. How did Lydia eventually come to believe in Christ? Was it her decision or did God draw her to Himself? Please explain the difference.

5. How does God’s sovereignty in Lydia’s case also require Lydia’s response? (p. 194)

6. How did the Gospel transform Lydia’s life? (p. 195) What specific things did she do that expressed this transformation?

7. How did Lydia’s faithfulness probably lead to her whole household hearing about Christ? Do you have unbelieving family members? Do you believe that the Lord wants to save them, too? Do you, like Lydia, actively lead your family into hearing the Gospel? What keeps you most from sharing your faith with your family? What can you do in your relationship with them to create an atmosphere of receptivity to share about Christ with them?

8. Was there any risk for Lydia to associate with Paul and Silas and with the Gospel? (p. 196) Why is the Gospel worth the risk to Lydia? Is it worth it to you? Please share how you can be used to extend the Gospel to others despite your risks.

9. Lydia’s faith led to the church to begin in Philippi and spread far beyond it. How is your faith being used to spread the Gospel even to the ends of the earth? If not, what can you do to be a part of this vision, like Lydia?

Chapter 12 - Epilogue

1. What one common thread bound all of these women together? (p. 199)

2. List some of the virtues and characteristics that stand out to you about these different women.

3. Before you read this book, how would you have answered the question, “What does it mean to be an extraordinary woman?� How would you answer it now?

4. Notice that none of these women are extraordinary because of their husbands. (p. 200) Why is this so significant for women to hear today? For married women? For single women? How do you too often base your identity on a man rather than on Christ? How does this impact how you view yourself? Other sisters in Christ? Other non-Christian women?

5. John MacArthur says, “The fruit of their faith was virtue.� (p. 200) What does he mean?

6. The women of the Bible were flawed and sinful (p. 201). How does that give you hope?

7. So why were these women extraordinary? (p. 201) How can you begin today and for the rest of your life be an extraordinary woman as well? Please pray with your sisters that this will be true for you and for those in your group.